Domaine Vincent & Francois Jouard

France, Bourgogne, Côte de Beaune

Sustainable

For a long time we had been seeking the right producer of Chassagne Montrachet - great quality, yet value. I was speaking with a well-known producer in Chassagne and he mentioned the brothers Jouard whose domaine is right across from the church on the Place de L’ Eglise. Vincent and Francois Jouard have some of the best holdings in Chassagne and some of the oldest vines. This family-run estate, taken over by the Jouard brothers in 1990, existed before 1820. Francois is the winemaker and Vincent works in the vines. At 11 hectares (a little over 27 acres), they produce 95% white wines and only 5% red Chassagne-Montrachet. Very attached to their roots and the value of the soil handed down to them by their family, they reject automatic decisions and each task is adapted to each barrel. The same philosophy applies to vineyard work: sustainable viticulture with extensive plowing in order to avoid chemical weeding. The only vines that go into the Jouard estate bottlings are old vines (average over 50 years), therefore Vieilles Vignes appears on every label. All vineyards are entirely hand-harvested and only indigenous yeasts are used in the fermentations. For all the wines, except Batard, Francois uses 1/3 new oak.

Their village Chassagne cuvée is from three parcels, all near together and just below 1er cru Macherelles; Les Meix Goulard, Plante du Gaie, and Clos Devant. Fermentation and elevage in barrique, 1/4 of which are new. An accessible wine young with citrus notes, white flower aromas, and vivacity.

The Chenevottes Premier Cru is situated on the slope approaching Saint Aubin, just to the South of the village of Chassagne-Montrachet, with more clay at the surface, but hard rock beneath producing a wine that is " mineral ” in aromas and flavor, fruity and delicate. The vines were planted in 1972 and some in 2007. 1/4 new oak.

The Chaumes Premier Cru 'Clos de la Truffiere' is on one parcel half of which is 65 years old and the other half is 25 years old. Situated on the top of Coteau, exposure is northeast and there is very little soil, almost directly on rock. It produces a wine that is mineral with hints of truffle and honeysuckle, power and finesse. 1/3 new oak.

Jouards have two tiny parcels of Batard-Montrachet Grand Cru; the larger at mid-slope was planted in 1941, the smaller (about 1/4) was planted in 1996. Batard is rich in clay and limestone washed from the top. A warm exposition in one of the greatest terriors on earth. 100% new oak as there is usually only one barrel produced.

Summary Block

This is example content. Double-click here and select a page to feature its content.
Learn more